Fluid pressure brake



July 27, 1937. c. c. FARMER FLUID PRESSURE BRAKE Filed. May 7, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet l Rw WW WW WW INVENTOR GLYDE O. FAR MER BY Qff ATTO R N EY July 27, 1937. c. c. FARMER h FLUID PRESSURE BRAKE Filed May 7, 195e ZfSheets-Sheet 2 Wmv Kb m Rwvwm lNvENToR CLYDE C. FARMER ATTO R Patented July 27, 1937 ier rice FLUID PRESSURE BRAKE Clyde C. Farmer, Pittsburgh, Pa., assigner to The Westinghouse Air Brake Company, Wilmerding, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application May 7, 1936, Serial No. 78,422

2l. Claims.

'I'his invention relates to fluid pressure brakes and more particularly to the `type adapted to operate upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to effect an application of the brakes and upon an increase in brake pipe pressure to effect a release of the brakes.

In Patent No. 2,031,213 issued to Clyde C. Farmer on February 18, 1936, there is disclosed a brake controlling valve device which comprises a service portion adapted to operate upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure to effect a service application of the brakes, and an emergency portion adapted to operate along with the service portion upon an emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure to eifect an emergency application of the brakes.

The emergency portion just referred to comprises a piston controlled by the opposing pressures of the brake pipe and a quick action cham ber and adapted to respond to a service reduction in brake pipe pressure to move an'auxiliary slide valve relative to a main slide valve to a service position for venting fluid under pressure from the quick action chamber at the same rate as the brake pipe pressure is reduced, so as to prevent movement of the parts past service position upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure. The communication through which fluid under pressure is thus vented from the quick action chamber is so restrictedhowever that the pressure in said chamber cannotreduce as fast as the brake pipe pressure is reduced upon an emergency reduction, in which case sufcient differential of pressures is obtained on said piston to move same and the auxiliary slide valve relative to the main slide valve past the service position to an emergency position in which fluid under pressure is supplied from the quick action chamber to a brake pipe vent valve device which is operated thereby to effect a sudden emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure. The emergency piston is then adapted to respond to this emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure and move the main slide valve to a position for supplying fluid under pressure to the brake cylinder for applying the brakes.

The emergency piston and auxiliary slide valve are designed to be moved to service position when a small differential, such as .4 of a pound, is obtained between the pressures in the b-rake pipe and quick action chamber upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure. Spring means are provided to come into action about the time the auxiliary slide valve reaches service position to oppose movement of the piston and auxiliary slide valve past service position until the differential of pressures on the piston is increased a predetermined degree, such as .5 of a pound, in addition to the .4 of a pound above mentioned. This spring means therefore acts in conjunction With the quick action chamber vent which is opened in the service position, to stabilize the operation of the emergency piston against moving the auxiliary slide valve past the service position to the emergency position and thereby effecting an undesired emergency application of the brakes upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure.

It is possible, particularly after an emergency valve device has been in use for a period of time, that the static as Well as kinetic resistance to movement of the pistonand auxiliary slide valve may become increased due for instance to accumulation of foreign matter around or on theA moving parts, the lack of lubrication, the use of improper lubricants, or for possibly other reasons, and as a result, a differential of pressures exceeding the .4 of a pound will be required to start these parts moving toward service position upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure.

Il the kinetic friction increases substantially in proportion to the increase in static friction, 'the Venting of fluid under pressure from the quick action chamber in service position and the action of the spring Will cause the emergency valve device to operate as above described upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure, -even though the static resistance to movement of the parts may require several times the .4 of a pound differential intended, to start the parts moving.

However, if the static resistance to movement becomes relatively high While the kinetic resistance to movement remains relatively low, then when upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure a differential of pressures is obtained on the emergency piston sufficient to start said piston and the auxiliary slide valve moving, the movement of these parts may be so rapid that the action of the spring plus the venting of fluid under'pressure from the quick action chamber in service position of the auxiliary slide valve may not be adequate to ensure that such a reduction in the differential on the piston as necessary to prevent movement of the piston and auxiliary slide valve past the service posi tion will be effected soon enough to prevent such movement.

The principal object of the invention is to provide an improved emergency valve device of the above type having means for ensuring that it will operate as intended upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure even though the resistance to movement of the parts may change as above described.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the invention.

In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view, mainly in section, of a portion of a fluid pressure brake equipment embodying one form of the invention; Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2 2 in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a sectional View taken on the line 3-3 in Fig. 1; and Fig. i is a diagrammatic view, mainly in section, of a uid pressure brake equipment embodying another form of the invention.

The portion of the iluid pressure brake equipment shown in Figs. 1 and 4 of the drawings is substantially the same as disclosed in the aforementioned patent, in view of which the following description of parts and operation will be limited only to that deemed necessary to a comprehensive understanding of the invention.

The fluid pressure brake equipment shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings comprises a pipe bracket I having one face upon which is mounted an emergency valve device 2 and having another face (not shown) upon which is adapted to be mounted a service application valve device (not shown) which, however, forms no part of the invention, Connected to another face of the pipe bracket is a pipe 3 adapted to lead to an auxiliary reservoir (not shown), a pipe d adapted to lead to a brake d cylinder pressure retaining valve device (not shown), a pipe 5 which leads to an emergency reservoir E, a pipe 'l leading to a brake cylinder 8, and a pipe S leading to a brake pipe ID.

The emergency valve device 2 comprises a casing containing an emergency piston II having at one side a chamber I2 connected to the brake pipe Itl by way of passages i3, I 4 and pipe 9, and at the opposite side a valve chamber I5 communicating with a quick action chamber I5 through a passage Il.

The Valve chamber I5 contains a main slide valve i8 and an auxiliary slide valve I9 mounted on and adapted to move relative to the main slide valve. The piston II is provided with a stem 2E] having a recess in which the auxiliary slide valve i9 is disposed so as to be moved with said stem. The main slide valve is loosely disposed between a shoulder 2| formed on the back of the piston I! and a shoulder 22 provided on the end of the stem and is adapted to be moved by engagement with one or the other of said shoulders according to the direction of movement of the piston.

A movable plunger 23 is mounted in a suitable bore provided in the end of the piston stem 20 and is provided with a guide stem l5 which slidably extends through a bore provided in a nut 'I5 closing the end of the bore in the piston stem. A spring 25 is interposed between the nut 'IB and plunger 23 and acts to urge said plunger into engagement with a shoulder 25 formed in the stem. 'Ihis shoulder is sol located that when` the plunger 23 engages same, the outer face of the plunger is beyond the shoulder 22 but spaced from the end of the main slide va-lve, with the parts positioned as shown in. the drawings, a predetermined distance which will be hereinafter dened.

A removable cover 25 isv secured to the emergency valve casing over the left hand end of valve chamber I5. This cover is provided with a bore in axial alignment with the piston Il and in which the cylindrical end of the piston stem 20 is slidably mounted. A cylindrical recess is provided in the cover around the po tion in which the end of the piston stem is mounted. This recess is of larger diameter than that of valve chamber i5 so as to form a shoulder 2l on the casing. A movable stop 28 is slidably mounted in this recess and urged against shoulder 27 by means of a spring 29 also contained in said recess and interposed between said stop and the end wall of said recess. This stop is provided with an axial opening through which the end or" the piston Stem freely extends. The piston stem 2S is however provided with a collar si) adapted to engage the stop 28 on the portion outside of the axial opening, while the main slide valve I8 is provided with a rearwardly projecting finger 3! also adapted to engage said portion of the stop 28. This engagement of the piston stern and slide Valve I8 with the stop 28 is adapted to dene the normal position of the piston ii and said slide valve, as will be hereinafter described. The stop 28 is provided with an opening 32 connecting valve chamber i5 to the recess containing said stop, while the cover 25 is provided with one or more openings 33 connecting said recess to a chamber 34.

A rocking pin 35 is interposed between one face of a flexible diaphragm 35 and the main slide valve I8 and is subject to the pressure of uid and a spring 3l in a chamber 38 which is adapted under certain conditions to exert seating pressure on the main slide valve. The chamber 33 is adapted to be supplied with fluid under pressure from the emergency reservoir E3 by way of pipe 5 and passages 35i and liti.

Preferably associated with the emergency valve device is a brake pipe vent valve device comprising a piston il and a vent valve Q2 operatively connected to said piston by means of a stem d3. The vent valve l2 is contained in a chamber 44 in constant communication with the brake pipe ID through passages [45, to, and iii, and a spring il in said chamber is provided to urge said vent valve into engagement with a seat rib i8 for closing communication from chamber fill to a chamber 119 which is open to the atmosphere through a passage 50.

The vent valve piston Ll! has at one side a chamber 5I connected to a passage 52 which leads to the seat of the main slide valve IS, and has at the opposite side a chamber 53 open to the atmospheric passage Eil. A blow-down timing port 54 is provided through the piston il connecting chamber 5l to chamber 53, while a leakage groo-ve 55 is provided in the wall of the piston bore also connecting said chambers when said piston is in its normal position, as shown in the drawings.

The equipment as so far described is substantially the same as disclosed in the aforementioned patent, and its operation is brielly as follows.

When the brake pipe I is charged with fluid under pressure, fluid under pressure flows therefrom through pipe Si and passage irl to passage E3 from whence it flows in a. direction toward the left hand tothe emergency piston chamber I2 and in a direction towards the right hand to the service portion (not shown) of the equipment. The service portion of the equipment is adapted to operate upon an increase in pressure in brake pipe I to supply fluid under pressure to the emergency reservoir for charging same, and to establish communication through which fluid un- `der pressure is released from the brake cylinder 8 to release the brakes, and is adapted to operate upon 'both a service and an emergency reduction in pressurein brake pipe i@ to supply fluid under pressure from the auxiliary reservoir (not shown) to passage f and from thence tobrake cylinder 8 for applying the brakes in the same manner as described in the aforementioned patent, which operation however is not pertinent to the invention.

With the parts oi the emergency valve device 22 in the normal position, as shown in th-e'drawN ings, fluid under pressure supplied to chamber i2 upon an increase in brake pipe pressure ows through a restricted feed port il to passage il and from thence to the emergency valve chamber i `and quick action chamber it, thereby charging said chambers With fluid at brake pipe pressure.

With the parts ofthe emergency valve device in their normal position as shown in the drawings, passage 52 whichleads to the vent valve piston chamber 5i is` lapped by the main slid-e valve i3. As a consequence the vent valve piston chamber 5i is at atmospheric pressure, being vented through port 515 and leakage groove t5, which permits spring il to seat the vent valve against seat rib fit. With the vent valve it seated, the Vent valve chamber it is charged with fluid supplied irom the brake pipe il@ to passage i3 by way of passages it and t5.

When a service reduction in brake pipe pressure is effected to eiect a service application of the brakes, a corresponding reduction in presu sure occurs in the emergency piston chamber l2. Fluid under pressure then tends to flow back from valve chamber i5 and the quick action chamber it through thefeed port to the piston chamber i2, but this feed port is so restricted that a differential oi pressures develops on the opposite sides of the piston il upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure.

When this diiierential increases to a certain degree, such for instance as .Il of a pound, the piston il is adapted to move towards the right hand and movethe auxiliary slide valve i@ to service position in which a service port 5t in the auxiliary slide valve registers with a port 5l! in the main slide valve i8, which port registers with an atmospheric passage til. Through the communication thus established, fluid Under pressure is adapted to be vented from the valve chamber i5 and` quick action chamber iii at a rate corresponding to the service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure so as to prevent an incr-ease in the pressure differential on the piston il. After the service port 53 is moved into registry with port es the plunger 23 engages the end oi the main slide valve i8 so that further movement oi the piston, that is past service position, is opposed by the pressure oi spring 7M acting on said plunger.

The spring Ell is provided to act in conjunce tion with the service venting of iuid under pressure from the quick action chamber iii through ports 53 and 59 to prevent movement of the emergency piston il and auxiliary slide valve lil past the service position upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure; and this is accomplished since the diierential required on the piston to overcome the pressure of the spring 2d must be increased over the .4 of a pound, a degree such as .5 of a pound. By means of the service venting of fluid under pressure from valve chamnber l5 and this stabilizing action of spring 2li,

movement of the emergency valve device past service position upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure is therefore prevented under all normal conditions of operation.

When an emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure is eiected, the rate of reduction in pressure in piston chamber l2 so exceeds the restricted capacity of ports 5s and to reduce the pressure in valve chamber iii and quick action chamber it, that the differential oi pressures on the emergency piston il promptly increases sufn ciently to overcome the pressure oi spring titl, whereupon said piston moves the auxiliary slide valve iii to emergency position which is defined by engagement of shoulder on the piston stem with the left hand end or the main slide valve l.

ln emergency position ci the auxiliary slide valve, a port iii in the main slide valve it is open to valve chamber i5 which permits Iiuid under pressure to ow from Valve chamber t5 and the quick action chamber i@ to passage 52 leading to the vent valve piston chamber 5i.

This supply of fluid under pressure to the vent valve piston chamber 5i so exceeds the venting capacity of the timing port il through the piston il and the leakage groove 55 around said piston that suiiicient pressure'is promptly obtained on said piston to move the vent valve lll away from seat rib 3 against the opposing pressure of huid and spring lll in chamber fili.

With the vent valve l2 unseated iluid under pressure is suddenly vented from the brake pip-e Si through pipe d, passages tl, iii, chambers and di) and from thence to 'the atmosphere through the atmospheric passage The resultant sudden reduction in brake pipe pressure in the emergency piston chamber i12 increases the differential oi pressures on the emergency piston i i toa degree suiiicient for said piston to move the main slide valve it, whereupon said piston and main slide valve move to a position dened by the engagement ci said piston with a gasket S2.

In this position of the main slide valve it, a cavity 553 therein connects the emergency reser-r voir passage il to a passage @ifi which leads to brake cylinder pipe l', so that Fluid under pressure is permitted to flow from the emergency reservoir t to the brake cylinder 8' and equalize therein to provide high emergency brake cylinder pressure and thereby an emergency application of the brakes.

In this position of the emergency slide valve lil, passage 52 is opened past the left hand end of said slide valve to the valve chamber itl so that the supply of fluid from the valve chamber i5 and quick action chamber it to the vent valve piston chamber et is maintained.

When the vent valve l2 is unseated by piston di said piston is moved into sealing engagement with a gasket so as to prevent leakage oi fluid under pressure around said piston from chamber 5i to chamber 53. As a result, the fluid under pressure supplied to chamber iii is per mitted to gradually reduce by ow through the timing port 5t to chamber 53 and 'trom thence v ensure substantially complete venting of fluid under pressure from the brake pipe Ill.

When the pressure of uid in chamber 5I becomes suiiiciently reduced to be overcome by the pressure of spring lll, said spring acts to seat the vent valve t2 and return the piston 4I to its normal position, so that, when desired, the pressure in brake pipe It) may be increased for effecting a release of the brakes and for recharging the brake equipment.

When it is desired to eiect a release of the brakes, fluid under pressure is supplied to brake pipe I and from thence flows to piston chamber I2. It is customary in charging the brake pipe to initially supply fluid at the high pressure in the usual main reservoir (not shown) directly to the brake pipe, and then aft-er a certain lapse of time supply iiuid at the pressure supplied by the usual feed valve device to the brake pipe.

The initial supply of fluid at high pressure to brake pipe It? causes a rapid increase in pressure in the emergency piston chamber I2 which moves the piston II and thereby the slide Valves IB and I9 back to their normal position as shown in the drawings. In this position of piston II, fluid under pressure is supplied from chamber I2 through the feed port 51 to chambers I5 and I I3, but this feed port is so restricted that the differential of pressures on the piston II increases to a degree which overcomes the pressure of spring 29 on the stop 28, whereupon said piston moves the slide valves I8 and i9 further toward the left hand to a back-dump position, as defined by engagement between the left hand face of said piston and the casing.

In this back-dump position cavity 63 in the main slide Valve I 3 connects the brake cylinder passage 64 to a passage S6, so that iluid under pressure is permitted to flow from the brake cylinder 8 to passage 66 and from thence past two serially arranged check valves EI and 68, through a passage GQ to passage I5 and from thence through passages Lit), i3 and I4 and pipe 9 to the brake pipe IU.

This back-dumping of fluid under pressure from the brake cylinder 8 to the brake pipe I0 eifects a sudden local increase in brake pipe pressure and provides suiiicient increase in brake pipe pressure on the next car in the train to eiect back-dump operation of the emergency valve device on that car. In this manner, the emergency valve devices throughout a train operate serially to provide a material increase in brake pipe pressure.

In the back-dump position of the emergency valve device 2, fluid supplied to piston chamber I2 continues to flow through port 5l to the valve chamber I5 and quick action chamber It. When the pressure of fluid in these chambers is thus increased sufiiciently, the pressure of spring 29 acting on the movable stop 223 shifts the piston I I and slide valves I8 and i9 back to their normal position as shown in the drawings, in which said chambers continue to charge through the feed port 51 until the pressure therein equalizes with that in the brake pipe.

In case the chambers I5 and IG tend to become charged to a pressure higher than normally carried in the brake pipe I, as may occur if uid at the high pressure in the main reservoir (not shown) is supplied to the brake pipe for too long a period of time, two serially arranged check valves 'I0 and II become unseated to permit flow of fluid from said chambers, which are of relatively small volume, to passage 4U and from thence to the emergency reservoir 6, which is of relatively large volume, and therefore able to receive any excess pressure obtained in said chambers.

There is a possibility that after the emergency valve device 2 has been in use the static and perhaps the kinetic resistance to movement of the emergency piston II and auxiliary slide valve I9 may become greater than normal due, for instance, to foreign matter, lack of lubrication, the use `of improper lubricants or for other reasons.

In case the static resistance to movement of these parts should increase above normal and the kinetic resistance to movement should also increase in proportion, the emergency valve device will operate as above described upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure with the exception that it will require a differential of pressures greater than for instance .4 of a pound to start the parts moving.

However, in case the kinetic resistance to movement of the parts should remain relatively low while the static resistance to movement should increase to a relatively high value, there is then a possibility that after the parts start moving from their normal position the high differential of pressures acting on the piston would move the parts so fast that the auxiliary slide valve I9 would move through the service position to the emergency position since there would be an insufficient time of registration between ports 58 and 59 to make a reduction in pressure in valve chamber I5 sufficient to coact with spring 24 to destroy the diiferential of pressures on the piston. If the auxiliary slide valve should thus be moved to emergency position upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure an emergency application of the brakes on the train would be initiated.

According to the invention, in order to prevent undesired movement of the emergency valve device to emergency position upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure under the conditions above explained, I provide an auxiliary mechanism which is operative upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to augment the diierential of pressures on the emergency piston tending to move the piston to service position.

The auxiliary mechanism comprises a movable abutment, preferably in the form of a flexible diaphragm I2 which is clamped to the cover 26 by a plate 14. The cover 26 has an opening 'I3 open to chamber 34 and one face of the diaphragm 12, so that one face of said diaphragm is thus subject to the pressure of fluid in chamber 3G which is in constant communication with valve chamber I5 through openings 33 and S2. The diaphragm 'I2 is subject on the opposite face to pressure of fluid in a chamber Il formed in the cover 14, the chamber TI being in constant communication with the brake pipe IG through passages 'I8 and I4 and pipe 9.

A stem 'I9 is slidably mounted in a suitable bore in the cover 26 in axial alignment with the diaphragm 'i2 and is provided on one end with an enlarged plate-like follower 80 disposed in the opening I3 and engaging one face of the diaphargm 12. A follower plate 92 is disposed in chamber 'I'I in engagement with the diaphragm 'I2 and is provided with an axial stud 9B extending through the diaphragm 'I2 and having screwthreaded engagement with the follower 80, so that the diaphragm is firmly clamped between said followers and therefore operatively connected to the stem '59.

The follower stem 'i9 is provided with an aXial bore open at the opposite end of the stem and slidably mounted in this bore is a plunger 8l. A spring 82 is interposed between the plunger 8l and a seat B3 which is secured in the bore of stem l@ by means of a snap ring iid, said spring being adapted to urge said plunger in a direction towards the diaphragm.

A lever d5 is disposed in chamber 3&1 and is ful-- crumed near its center on a pin 86 carried by spaced lugs fil formed on the cover 2t. The lower end of this lever is bifurcated to straddle the stem lil and is connected to a pin dii which eX- tends through two opposite elongated openings or slots 89 in the stem '59. The plunger 3l is pressed against the pin 38 by the spring 82.

The upper end of the lever S5 is also bifurcated to straddle the opening in the nut 'it through which the stem 'iti of the plunger 23 is adapted to move and the two arms thus formed at the upper end of the lever are hook-shaped to engage the nut i6.

In operation, when a reduction in brake pipe pressure is effected, the pressure of uid in the diaphragm chamber 'l'l reduces with that in the emergency piston chamber i2, and consequently the same differential of pressures is obtained on the diaphragm l2 as on the piston il.

This differential of pressures obtained in the diaphragm 'l2 causes said diaphragm to deflect towards the left hand and act through the spring 82 and plunger 3l on the pin te and thereby turn the lever S5 in a clockwise direction about the pin 8e. This movement of the lever 85 causes the upper forked ends of said lever to engage the nut 'Hi in the end of the piston stem 2l) and thereby apply to said stem a force proportional to the diiferential of pressures acting on the diaphragm l2.

The force thus applied through lever 85 to the end of the stem Eil acts in conjunction with the diiferential of pressures obtained on the emergency piston il upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure to move said piston and the auxiliary slide valve l@ out of their normal position towards service position.

The diaphragm 'l2 continues to act in the manner just explained until said diaphragm engages the stop lugs Si, after which further movement of the piston il and auxiliary slide valve i9 is independent of said diaphragm.

Since the purpose of the diaphragm 'l2 is to aid the differential of pressures acting on piston H to move said piston and the auxiliary slide valve Id out of normal position in case of high static resistance to movement of said piston and valve, and further since the kinetic resistance to movement of mechanical elements is generally lower than the static resistance, it will be evident that, if desired, the stops ill may be of such length as to stop deiiection of the diaphragm l2 immediately after the piston l i and auxiliary slide valve i@ start moving from their normal position. However, desired, the stops 9i may be such as to permit the diaphragm 'l2 to continue to act in conjunction with the piston l l until the plunger 'Z3 engages the end of the mainfslide valve at which time the diaphragm will engage the stops 9i. In this latter case the diaphragm l2 will act to ensure movement or the auxiliary slide valve to a position in which the service ports 53 and 5% are in registry but will be out out of action before the stabilizing spring 2t becomes effective.

By employing a flexible diaphragm to aid the emergency piston ll to start moving, it will be evident that in case the static resistance to movement of the piston and auxiliary slide valve is increased to a degree over normal, the force necessary to overcome this increase in static resistance is applied by the diaphragm l2, so that movement ofv the emergency valve device to service position upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure will not be delayed untilra differential of pressures is obtained on the piston il which is liable to cause undesired movement of said piston and the auxiliary slide valve i9 past service position to emergency position.

The nexible diaphragm l2 is preferably of such area as to apply to the end of the piston stem 2@ a force equal to that obtained on piston l i upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure, in which case the piston Il will operate upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure before a dilierential, exceeding the .e of a pound above described, is obtained, even if the static resistance to movement of the piston Il and auxiliary slide valve iii should increase one hundred per cent over normal. It will of course be understood that the diaphragm 'i2 may be of greater or lesser area than above described, so as to be able to counteract a greater or lesser increase in static resistance to movement of the piston and auxiliary slide valve, if desired.

The exible diaphragm 'l2 is used in preference to a movable abutment such as piston lll, since the operation of a diaphragm is substantially independent of friction, lubrication and foreign matter and therefore can be relied upon to operate upon substantially the pressure differentials desired. Further, the use of a iiexible diaphragm for the purpose above described is practical since the movement of the diaphragm is limited to a very small'degree, such as not exceeding one-sixteenth of an inch, which will not materially affect the efficiency of the diaphragm.

It will be noted that in the normal position of the parts of the emergency valve device 2 and diaphragm l2, the end of the diaphragm stem 'i9 engages the cover in the bottom of the bore inV which said stem is mounted. With this condition and the pin 88 engaging the left hand end of slots 89, the upper end of the lever d5 is in substantial engagement with the nut l@ so that upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure the diaphragm may act in its normal and most efficient position to apply pressure to the piston stem Eil.

The spring 82 and slots t@ are provided to permit lever 85 to rotate around pin t@ in a counterclockwise direction relative to the diaphragm stem 'I9 when the emergency valve device 2 is moved to the back-dump position hereinbefore described, and it will be evident that the spring 32 acts in conjunction with the spring lil to dene the differential of pressures required on the emergency piston l! to move the parts to backdump position and later to move the parts from back-dump position to the normal position as previously described.

While in the drawings the diaphragm 'l2 and the parts associated ytherewith are not shown in axial alignment With .the piston stem 2d, but instead are disposed below the end of said stem, as viewed in the drawings, and are operatively connected to said stem through themedium of the force transmitting lever 35, it is desired to point out that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to such a construction.

Referring now to the modified construction shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings. According to this construction a ller block 93 is interposed between the emergency valve device 2 and pipe bracket I which are of the same construction as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings. The iller block 93 is provided with the required passages for establishing communication between passages 5, ',I'l, 39 and 64 in the emergency valve device 2 and pipe bracket I.

The flexible diaphragm I2 is disposed in the ller block 93 and is provided at one side with a chamber 94 which is open to passage il leading to valve chamber I 5 and quick action chamber I6. The diaphragm 'I2 is provided at the opposite side with a chamber 95 which is open to a passage 96 connecting the brake pipe passage I3 to the emergency piston chamber i2.

A follower plate 9'! is disposed in chamber in engagement with one side of the diaphragm 12, while the follower plate 92 is disposed in chamber 94 in engagement with the opposite side of the diaphragm, these followers being clamped to the diaphragm by means of the stud carried by the follower plate 92 and extending through the diaphragm 'l2 and secured to the follower plate 91 by screw-threaded engagement.

A lever 98 is disposed in chamber 95 and is fulcrumed intermediate its ends on a pin G5. The upper end of the lever 98 is pivotally connected to a pin IS which is secured in a lug Ii which projects from the follower plate 9i. The lower end of lever 93 is preferably biiurcated to straddle one end of a link IlZ and carries a pin IES which extends through -a slot IGP in said link. The opposite end of the link is pivotally connected to a pin IE5 which is secured to a lug iii? projecting from the brake pipe face of the emergency piston II.

In this embodiment of the invention it will be noted that a cover IEll is employed in place of cover 25 to carry the end of the emergency piston stem 2G, the movable stop ZS and spring and to form one side of the vent valve piston chamber 5I.

It Will be noted that in the construction just described, the flexible diaphragm l2 is subject in chamber 95 to brake pipe pressure and in chamber 94 to the pressure of fluid in valve chamber I5 and quick action chamber I6, so that upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure, the diaphragm 'l2 is subjected to the same differential of pressures as the emergency piston il, as is the case in the construction shown in Fig. l.

When the parts of the emergency valve device and when the diaphragm 'l2 are in their normal position, as shown in the drawings, the pin i553 engages the right hand end of the slot iii.

Upon a service reduction in pressure in brake pipe I0 and consequently in the emergency piston chamber I2 and diaphragm chamber a differential of pressures is established on the piston II which urges said piston in a direction towards the right hand. The saine diierenti-al of pressures is obtained on the diaphragm 'i2 which urges said diaphragm in the opposite direction, but since said diaphragm is connected through lever 98 to link IG, the force of the differential of pressures acting on said diaphragm is applied to the piston to assist it in moving towards the right hand, will be evident.

In case the resistance to movement oi the piston il and auxiliary slide valve iii is greater than normal, it will be evident that the .force of 'the diaphragm transmitted through the lever Q8 and link |232 to the piston II will ensure that said piston starts moving before a dierential of pressures is obtained on said piston which would be liable to cause undesired movement of said piston and the auxiliary slide valve I9 to emergency position.

The movement of the diaphragm 'Z2 upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure and the consequent extent of action of said diaphragm on the emergency piston II may be the same as in the construction shown in Fig. 1. In the construction shown in Fig. 4, the movement of the diaphragm is limited by engagement of the follower plate 9'! with a stop rib .I iB and is just sufficient to cut the diaphragm out of action at about the time the plunger 23 in the end of the piston stem 2U engages the end of the main slide valve I 8.

After the diaphragm is cut out of action upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure, as just described, the slot Ille in the link permits the piston il to move further towards the right hand relative to the lever Q8, as is required in effecting an emergency application of the brakes. It will therefore be evident that except for the action of the diaphragm 'i2 on the piston II through a limited initial portion of the movement of the piston II from normal position, the emergency valve device operates upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure in the same manner as in the construction shown in Fig. 1 and disclosed in the aforementioned patent.

In eiecting a release of the brakes after an emergency application, the flexible diaphragm "I2 is deflected towards the right hand into engagement with a stop rib III and this permits back- 'i dump operation of the emergency valve device independently of the diaphragm, in the same manner as disclosed in the aforementioned patent, it being noted that in this construction there is no spring, such as spring 82 shown in the construction disclosed in Fig. l, other than spring 29 which controls the back-dump operation. When the opposing iluid pressures on the emergency piston II and flexible diaphragm T2 equalize after the back-dump operation and the emergency 1.

valve device 2 returns to its normal position, it will be evident that the internal forces in the diaphragm l2 will also cause it to return to its normal position, as shown in the drawings.

It will now be noted that according to the inii vention means are provided which are adapted to be associated with an emergency valve device of the type disclosed in the aforementioned patent and which are operative to ensure that the emergency valve device will operate to effect venting of fluid under pressure from the quick action chamber as required to prevent an undesired emergency application of the brakes upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure.

While two illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it is not my intention to limit its scope to these embodiments or otherwise than by the terms of the appended claims.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

l. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a chamber normally charged with fluid at the pressure in said brake pipe, a piston controlled by the opposing fluid pressures in said brake pipe and chamber and movable upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure, a movable abutment also controlled by the opposing fluid pressures in said brake pipe and chamber, and means 'operated by said movable abutment upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to assist the differential of fluid pressures obtained on said piston on said reduction in brake pipe pressure to move said piston.

2. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a chamber normally charged With fluid at the pressure in said brake pipe, a piston controlled by the opposing fluid pressures in said brake pipe and chamber and movable upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure, a flexible diaphragm also controlled by the opposing fluid pressures in said brake pipe and chamber, and means operated by said flexible diaphragm upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to assist the differential of fluid pressures obtained on said piston on said reduction in brake pipe pressure to move said piston.

3. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a chamber normally charged with fluid at the pressure in said brake pipe, a piston controlled by the opposing fluid pressures in said brake pipe and chamber and having a normal position and adapted to be moved from said normal position to another position upon a reduction inbrake pipe pressure, a flexible diaphragm also controlled by the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and chamber, and means operated by said diaphragm upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to apply force to said piston to assist the differential of fluid pressures obtained on said piston upon said reduction in brake pipe pressure to start said piston moving from said normal position towards said other position.

4. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a chamber normally charged With fluid at the pressure in said brake pipe, a piston controlled by the opposing fluid pressures in said brake pipe and chamber and having a normal position and adapted to be moved from said normal position to another position upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure, a flexible diaphragm also controlled bythe opposing pressures of said brake pipe and chamber, and means operated' by said diaphragm upon a` reduction in brake pipe pressure to apply force to said piston to assist the differential of fluid pressures obtained on said piston upon said reduction in brake pipe pressure to move said piston from said normal position a predetermined distance towards the other position. i

5. In-a'iluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a chamber normally charged with fluid at the pressure in said brake-pipe, a piston controlled by the opposing fluid pressures Vin said brake pipe and chamber and having anormal position andadapted to be moved fromsaid normal position to another position upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure, a flexible diaphragm also controlled by the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and chamber, and means operated by said diaphragm upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to apply force to said piston to assist the differential of fluid pressures obtained. on said piston upon said reduction in brake pipe pressure to move said piston fromsaid normal position to said other position.

6. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a chamber normally charged with fluid at the pressure in said brake pipe, a piston controlled by the opposing fluid pressures in said brake pipe and chamber and having a normal position and adapted to be moved from said normal position to another position upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure, a flexible diaphragm also controlled by the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and chamber, means operative by said diaphragm upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to apply force to said piston to assist the differential of iluid pressures obtained on said piston upon said reduction in brake pipe pressure to move said piston, and means operative to relieve said piston of the force applied by operation of said diaphragm upon a predetermined movement of said piston.

7. In a fluid pressure brak-e, in combination, a brake pipe, a quick action chamber normally charged with fluid at the pressure in said brake pipe, an emergency piston controlled by the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and said chamber, a valve having a norma-l position and movable by said piston upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure from said normal position to a service position for effecting a service rate of reduction in pressure in said chamber, and means also controlled by the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and chamber and operative upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressures to apply force to said piston to assist said reduction in brake pipe pressure on said piston toy move said valve from said normal position.

8. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a quick action chamber normally charged with fluid at the pressure in said brake pipe, an emergency piston controlled by the oppressures of said brake pipe and chamber, and

means for transmitting to said piston the force developed by the differential of fluid pressures created on sai-d diaphragm upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure, whereby said force acts with the differential of fluid pressures created on said piston upon said reduction in brake pipe pressure to move said valve from said normal position.

9. In a uid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a duiclr` action chamber normally charged with duid at the pressure in said brake pipe, an emergency piston controlled by the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and sai-d chamber, a valve having a normal position and movable by said piston upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure from. said normal position to a service position for effecting a service rate of reduction in pressure in said chamber, means including a flexible diaphragm also subject to the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and chamber and operative upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to assist the ydiilerential of fluid pressures on said piston to move said valve, and means for relieving said piston of force transmitted from said diaphragm after a predetermined movement of said piston from normal position.

l0. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a quick action chamber normally charged with fluid at the pressure in said brake pipe, anemergency piston controlled by the opposing pressures of said `brake pipe and said chamber, a valve having a normal position and movable by said piston upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure from said normal position to a service position foreifecting a service rate of reduction in pressure in said chamber, and adapted to be moved further to an emergency position to effect an emergency brake operation, a

flexible diaphragm also subject to the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and chamber and operative upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to assist the differential of fluid pressures on said piston to move said valve, and means operative to relieve said piston of forcefrom said diaphragm upon a predetermined movement of said piston.

ll. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a quick action chamber normally charged with fluid at the pressure in said brake pipe, an emergency piston controlled by the cpp-osing pressures of said brake pipe and said chamber, a valve having a normal position and movable by said piston upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure from said normal position to a service position for effecting a service rate of reduction in pressure in said chamber, and adapted to be moved further to an emergency position to effect an emergency brake operation, spring means for opposing movement of said piston and valve from service position to emergency position, means including a flexible diaphragm also subject to the opposing pressures of the brake pipe and said chamber and operative upon a reduction in brake pipe pre sure to assist the differential of uid pressures on said piston to move said valve from normal position, and means operative to relieve said piston of force from said `diaphragm before said spring means becomes effective.

12. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a quick action chamber normally charged with fluid at the pressure in said brake pipe, a piston subject to the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and chamber, a valve having a normal position and adapted to be moved therefrom by said piston upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to a service position for effecting a service rate of reduction in pressure in said chamber, a spring operative to assist the differential of fluid pressures obtained on said piston upon. a service reduction in brake pipe pressure to move said piston and valve from said normal position, means operative upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to cause said spring to act to assist movement of said piston and valve, and means for limiting the range of assisting action or" said spring to a predetermined mov-ement of said piston and valve from said normal position.

13. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a quick action chamber normally charged with fluid at the pressure in said brake pipe, a piston subject to the opposing pressures or" said brake pipe and chamber, a valve having a normal p on and adapted to be moved therefrom by said piston upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to a service position for effecting a service rate of reduction in pressure in said chamber, and adapted to be moved by said piston upon an emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure past service position to an emergency position for effecting an emergency operation, means operative upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to assist the differential of fluid pressures obtained on said piston to move said piston and valveout of normal position towards service position, and means for rendering the assisting means ineffective after a predetermined movement of said piston and valve from said normal position, said piston and valve being movable relative to said assisting means from service position to emergency position.

14. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a quick action chamber normally charged with fluid at the pressure in said brake pipe, a piston subject to the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and chamber, a valve having a normal position and adapted to be moved therefrom by said piston upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to a service position for effecting a service rate of reduction in pressure in said chamber, and adapted to be moved by said piston upon an emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure past service position to an emergency position for effecting an emergency operation, a flexible diaphragm also subject to the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and chamber, lever means operative by said diaphragm upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to transmit pressure of said diaphragm to said piston to assist the differential of fluid pressures on said piston to move said piston and valve, and means for rendering said diaphragm and lever means ineffective to assist movement of said piston and valve after a predetermined movement of said piston and valve from normal position.

15. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a quick action chamber normally charged with fluid at the pressure in said brake pipe, a piston subject to the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and chamber, a valve having a normal position and adapted to be moved therefrom by said piston upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to a service position for effecting a service rate of reduction in pressure in said chamber, and adapted to be moved by said piston upon an emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure past service position to an emergency position for effecting an emergency operation, a flexible diaphragm also subject to the opposing pressures of' said brake pipe and chamber, and lever means operative by said diaphragm upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to transmit pressure of said diaphragm to said piston to assist the differential of fluid pressures on said piston to move said piston and valve, said piston and valve being movable relative to said lever` and diaphragm between service and emergency positions.

16. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a quick action chamber normally charged With fluid at the pressure in s aid brake pipe, a piston subject to the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and chamber, a valve having a normal position and adapted to be moved therefrom by said piston upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to a service position for effecting a service rate of reduction in pressure in said chamber, and adapted to be moved by said piston upon an emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure past service position to an emergency position for effecting an emergency operation, a flexible diaphragm also subject to the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and chamber, and lever means operative by said diaphragm upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to apply the pressure of said diaphragm to the quick action chamber side of said piston to assist the differential of fluid pressures acting on said piston to move said piston and valve.

1'?. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a quick action chamber normally charged with fluid at the pressure in said brake pipe, a piston subject to the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and chamber, a valve having a normal position and adapted to be moved therefrom by said piston upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to a service position for eiiecting a service rate of reduction in pressure in said chamber, and adapted to be moved by said piston upon an emergency reduction inbrake pipe pressure past service position to an emergency position for effecting an emergency operation, a flexible diaphragm also subject to the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and chamber, and lever means operative by said diaphragm upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to apply the pressure of said diaphragm to the brake pipe side of said piston to assist the differential of iluid pressures acting on said piston to move said piston and valve, and means operative to relieve said piston of the pressure of said diaphragm after a predetermined movement of said piston and valve out of normal position.

18. In a uid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a brake cylinder, a quick action chamber normally charged With fluid at brake pipe pressure, a piston subject to the opposing pressures ,of said brake pipe and chamber, valve means having a normal position and adapted to be moved by said piston to a service position upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure to effect a service reduction in pressure in said chamber, and adapted to be moved by said piston to an emergency position upon an emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure to supply fluid under pressure to said brake cylinder, and adapted to be moved by said piston to a back-dump position upon an increase in brake pipe pressure to vent uid under pressure from said brake cylinder to said brake pipe, and means operative upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to apply force to said piston for assisting the differential of pressures obtained on said piston to move said valve means from normal position towards service position, said piston and valve means being movable to emergency and backdump positions independently of said assisting means.

19. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a brake cylinder, a quick action chamber normally charged with fluid at brake pipe pressure, a piston subject to the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and chamber, valve means having a normal position and adapted to be moved by said pistonY to a service position upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure Yto ell'ect a service reduction in pressure in said chamber, and adapted to be moved by said piston to an emergency position upon an emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure to supply fluid under pressure to said brake cylinder, and adapted to be moved by said piston to a back-dump position upon an increase in brake pipe pressure to vent fluid under pressure from said brake cylinder to said brake pipe, a spring operative to assist the differential of pressures obtained on said piston upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to move said piston and valve means out of said normal position towards service position and to oppose movement of said piston and valve means to back-dump position, a exible diaphragm operative upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to render said spring effective to assist, and means for rendering said spring inelective to assist movement of said piston and valve means past service position to emergency position.

20. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, an emergency valve device having a piston subject tothe opposing pressures of the brake pipe and a chamber and movable upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure, and a flexible diaphragm also subject to the opposing pressures of the brake pipe and said chamber and operatively connected to said piston to assist movement of said piston upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure.

21. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a quick action chamber normally charged with fluid under pressure, an emergency piston subject to the opposing pressures of said brake pipe and chamber and having a normal position and adapted to be moved therefrom upon ,a service reduction in brake pipe pressure to a service position and upon an emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure to an emergency position, a exible diaphragm subject on one face to brake pipe pressure and on the opposite face to the pressure of fluid in said chamber, means connecting said diaphragm to said piston whereby upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure the differential of pressures developed on said diaphragm is applied to said piston to assist the differential of fluid pressures acting on said piston to move said piston, and means for limiting the deflection of said diaphragm for thereby rendering same ineffective to assist in moving said piston after said piston and valve have moved out of said normal position a predetermined distance, said piston being movable from service position to emergency position independently of said diaphragm.

CLYDE C. FARMER. 

